Moments Of Triumphs

First and foremost, it's my own 'victory'.  As mentioned in my older post "A Month Of Bountiful Blessings", I got good news from Australia. This is the day I have been waiting for and this afternoon, I went to the post office to collect my parcel from my friend Delirious Jellybean. I am so happy to receive it. Furthermore, the gift makes its way into my blogging History as the first gift ever from a fellow blogger.

Got the email on 18.12.2010 from Yileen  who goes by the nick Delirious Jellybean telling me that I was  Radhika's Story WINNER (that's how the heading of the email was.)  Let me mention a little bit on how I become the winner. I was at her blog one day and read her post on the give-away. She wanted participants to comment on human trafficking. Without hesitation, I tried my luck by responding and giving some comments and summed it up by saying I condemn human trafficking as immoral. It came as a surprise when she told me that I was the winner! Imagine how happy I was! Furthermore, I'm adding another great story to my collections of books. Thank you, Yileen, it means so much to me!

Recalling how I met Yileen, it was her who "caught" me while blog hopping. She wrote on my wall telling me that she was happy meeting another fellow Malaysian on blogsphere. Since then, we are friends. Currently, she is a PhD candidate studying Genetic Engineering in the field of  Plant Science at the Australian National University. She's going to be a scientist. Perhaps, you would like to check out her blog at http://www.deliriousjellybean.blogspot.com/

The book wrapped in red and a note from Yileen.

Also enclosed, a beautiful postcard.

This is the book , front and back (below).

Another happy news  is Malaysia's national football team victory over Indonesia in  the Asean Football Federation (AFF) Suzuki Cup which was held in Jakarta, Indonesia on  29.12.2010.  I didn't watch it on big screen in town but watching at home made no difference because I was so restless like a centipede with athlete's foot! Just couldn't keep still because every minute was thrilling and I shouted in joy when our team scored a goal. Today, the victory make headlines in all the papers throughout my country. And to add another joy, our Prime Minister declared Friday a holiday to celebrate my country's first ever victory in the championship. Thank you, Mr. Prime Minister!

Well, those are the triumphs I am sharing with all of you.
 As 2010 is coming to an end, I would like to wish everyone a happy and prosperous 2011!

Haiku - King, Queen And Subjects

Arrogant ruler,
Of creed and greed of power,
Reigns mercilessly.


Queen of Hearts' heartless,
Love is so lifeless and dry,
Trashes of feelings.


Subjects' loyalty,
Tarnished, tormented, abused,
The rights of mankind.




Inner core feelings of,
        Balqis
        Mid-week,
          30.12.2010

A Wishful Thought - If It's A Little Garden Of Eden

It's way far from an Eden so,  I would rather call it a place for hangout because this is where I usually go to in the evening or weekends. We have a small space of land at the backyard which we use to plant fruit trees. It has always been my dream to have a large piece of land where I can plant fruit trees of high commercial value like the king of fruits, durian or other types of local fruits. At the moment, we have some rambutan trees which always bear abundant of fruits during its season.

                                                                 At The Backyard

A few types of fruit trees.

A rose plant that grows among the fruit trees.

The rambutan trees. The flesh of  rambutan looks like lychee fruit.

This is herb which tastes nice.
The young leaves can be eaten fresh with sambal belacan (shrimp paste).

The flower, bunga kantan, of this plant can be prepared as salad or used in cooking spicy sweet and sour fish.
Popularly used for preparing noodles gravy. It has a fragrant smell

The leaves of this herb has medicinal value for diabetes and hypertension.
The leaves can be dried and used for preparing herbal tea.
It's called misai kucing  (literally - cats' whiskers)

                                                               
                                                            At The Car Porch

As a plant enthusiast, I love planting variegated foliage. There is so much beauty in the striped variegation; cream, white or striped lines on the leaves. Variegation means marks of varied colours, especially in plants. That is the definition in Longman dictionary. In Science, it means distinctive patterns of green and white on any part with chlorophyll. (quoted)

My newly planted polyscias.



The stripped and spotted bamboo plants were still in polythene bags at the time this picture was taken.
Now, they are growing well in flower pots.



A family of the spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum variegatum).

Tanduk rusa, in Bahasa Malaysia, literally it's the reindeer's horns.

What can be seen here are among some of the potted plants that I have. Though a plant enthusiast, I have  yet to find out the names of every plant in my compound.  Thus, some pictures are without captions. Just have a peek at them, ok?

Haiku - In These, I Walk

Beauty and strength merge,

Small steps that lead to thousands,

Face life's realities.

Like sparkling diamonds,

Comfort prevails, safe and sound,

In journey of life.

Just a thought of,

Balqis

On silent night.

25.12.2010

If Love's A War

Love is like war : Easy to begin but hard to end.

                                                           - Anonymous   

Balqis's personal views :

LOVE, a small word but carries thousands' meanings. When in love, everything is beautiful and the feeling is so wonderful beyond description. Love defies all barriers. Come what may, be it crossing the sea of evil, climbing the mountain of thorns, walking the road of dangers or trekking the jungle of obstacles, a madly in love couple could endure all.

Like a story; love has its beginning, rising climax, climax and anti-climax.  Initially, love is always at its best. It grows and blooms beautifully. Everything is at its extreme feel-good.  At most times, the couple are lost in the world of their own. But along the way, some unforeseen circumstances might occur. It affects the warm glow of love to become dim .... slowly. And certain things start to crack.

I ever said : Be it the fire of separation nor the evil of temptation will ever separate us.

Now, I am wondering how could I ever come up with such a very powerful statement? The answer lies in the heart sizzling with love.

Enough, I'm not going to elaborate more on this.

Let me ask you :

How do you define love?

*My current favourite song, "Just The Way You Are" by Bruno Mars. I am captivated by the beautiful lyrics that talk about love, admiration and beauty of a beloved person. 

When I see your face

There's not a thing I would change

Cause you're amazing

Just the way you are

And when you smile

The whole world stops and stares for awhile

Because gal ( I'd change this to "guy", sorry Bruno)

You're amazing

Just the way you are

Time For A Laugh

A man from the census bureau was doing a door-to-door survey. He knocked on the door of one house and was greeted by a young boy. The man asked the child if anybody else was home, and when the boy shook his head, he decided nevertheless to try to get the information he needed. "May I know your father's name?" The boy answered. "My father's name is Laughing." Although the name surprised the census man, he pressed on. "And your mother's name?" "Her name is Smiling," the boy replied. The man quipped, "Wait a minute, little boy! Are you kidding?""No, that's my sister," the boy answered. "I'm Joking!"

                                                                                          by Gemma C. Fornolles, Philippines
                                                                                                                             Reader's  Digest, October 1994

Images from http://photobucket.com

*As I'm not able to create a joke of my own, so I'm sharing one of  my collection of jokes from

Reader's Digest.

A Thrilling Weekend

I feel I am free like a bird. I could fly high looking at the wonders of the world. And be among the clouds! Oh, how wonderful! I am not letting your curious minds wonder wildly at what I am talking about. It has nothing to do with a relationship or career. It is just a wonderful feeling during this weekend. A few things contribute to the happiness. I wish this feeling to go on and on till the end of time.

Throughout the week, I achieved some successes which I shared in this blog. I was able to come up with two Haikus which were written right from my heart. I spent a couple of hours on it, letting my brain secreted the best words I could think of to make it appealing and becomes a sweet memory. Why? It is because I could dedicate it to the wonderful and beloved people in my life.

I am also living in a world of fantasy. Yesterday, I could communicate with my icon Elf. He is like any other persona but to me, he is very much alive and kicking! And today, I am even more surprised when Elf drops me a note which says :

"Oddie cannot say how much you filled my goomp (we imps have no heart but goomps) of love and happiness Mrs. B. If I could reach the state where I could love a human being it would be you I choose, and I am very close to it. You are a magnificent writer! Thank you for being!!" Signed: Elf

OMG! he said that! I replied with a heart beating so fast and so audible to my hearing!

"My adorable Elf, you know how much it means upon hearing what you say? I want to hug you right now! If I could love my cats unconditionally (think of their stinky poo but I don't mind), surely I could love you too! Let there be no barrier between our different worlds. You're just another being (though not human). Another creation of God. Love you, Elf!"

I saw Elf smiling sheepishly and blinking his eyes unnnecessarily. His ears glowed like maize (according to his master). My words are for real, Elf!

Now, now, now, do not jump to conclusion and think that I am a lunatic and madly in love. Should I swear? No, a big girl should not swear. It is more of a motherly love to a child. An adorable child who is always up to mischief yet occupies one part of my heart. And it will always be there.

And in my mailbox, there is another surprise waiting to be revealed. A good news from Down Under (Australia). Immediate feeling of wanting to hop like a kangaroo comes to my mind. Whoooa! this is indeed good news! But dear friends, I will tell you about it when the right moment comes. Please bear with me. Be patient! I know someone in Australia is smiling now like I do. :) Thanks a lot, mate.

Another surprise, I just logged in Bloggers and lo! I am on Editors' Picks Of The Day! I was like a scurry rabbit quickly going through my emails, yes...there was a mail from Bloggers Team informing me for been featured on Bloggers as one of the Bloggers of the day and my profile and blog has been showcased in Bloggers Home Page. This is indeed a happy Sunday! I am all smiles now.  And I am like losing words of thanks to everyone who congratulates me. To date, I have 502 awesome friends at Bloggers and it keeps growing. Indeed quite a big group of friends and I feel the warmth presence of everyone at Bloggers. My heartfelt gratitude to the Bloggers Team for picking me as one of the featured bloggers of the day. You guys are awesome!

To summarise it all, I would like to say that I am  a very happy person today for what had been mentioned above. And for getting visits from loyal friends and also dear friends who have been missing in action for quite sometime. Apart from that, I get many new friends from all over the globe. When everyone drops by, each brings along big present of kind words and inspirations! My blog is now full of it. What more could I ask for? My heart blooms like flowers and dancing in perfect tempo with everything you guys shower me with! A HUGE thank you and my love for all of you!

*Images from http://photobucket.com/

Haiku - Colors Of Life

(1)

Rays of warm yellow,
Upholds royal dignity,
Melts the cold stone heart.


(2)

Doubts provoke the truths,
Incitement of envious green,
Attempt to get by.


(3)

Solemness in reign,
Pitch black a so lifeless night,
A spell uncalled for.


(4)

Soft blue captivates,
Blossoms with lush in the heart,
Signifies true love.


(5)

Red illuminates warmth,
Spirits of courage and valor,
Dashing through ages.


Balqis,
Captivated by colors.
17.12.2010
Friday Night

*Literally speaking, we go through many colors of life. Each one has its own meaning.
This Haiku is specially dedicated to my beloved family and my beloved friends who always
give so much inspirations in literary works for me to keep going. I am also inspired by their
great arts in literature. My buddies, Moonomo and Odliam of US, Harish of India, Stephanie of Philippines and Krislin of Singapore,  this is my humble dedication to all of you but it comes right from my heart. Thank you for being my friends.

Haiku - Loneliness

At work

Struck by loneliness,
A forlorn heart a-flutter,
To dance with life's music.


At Home

The pin-drop silence,
Grips heart longing attentions,
For worthily life.


Now

Icy cold dark night,
A chilling companion,
Serenades the soul.



Balqis
Understanding loneliness.
15.12.2010
Wednesday

The Historical Site



A centenary stone commemorating the centennial of the
historical meeting was erected on the site in 1967.

General Council Negri Meeting

Bintulu played a very significant role in the history of democracy in Sarawak. On September 8, 1867, it became the first meeting venue of the State Legislative Assembly, the Council Negri.

With Charles Brooke, the second white Rajah of Sarawak chairing the meeting, there sat five of his British Officers namely James B. Cruickshank, William H. Roadway, Alfred Gouhton, Thomas S. Chapman H. Nelson and 15 Malay and Melanau members (Chiefs) to mark a new era to conduct the state's affairs.

During the inaugural General Council Meeting, the most brought up agenda in connection with the General Procedure was more on the maiden speech by the Tuan Yang Di-Pertua.

The second General Council Meeting was held in Sibu on 15 June 1868 and the third was held in Kuching on 11 October 1970.

From then on, the meetings were held in Kuching at His Majesty's Istana (palace), which was the official resident of Brooke and then later the meeting was held at the Courthouse building once in three years until 1900. According to data, most of the agendas brought up in the General Council Meetings were the discussion to widen the regional boundary and on the pirates activities.

After 1900, the General Council Meeting talked more on the agricultural and financial development of the state.

Source : Berita Binda, July-September 2009

*Pictures by Balqis.

Reasons For Being Thankful

This road isn't an ordinary road,
As I walk down it,
I was stunned by
life's colourful characters.

I could hear the wind whispers into my ears,
the chirpy birds with melodious songs,
and soothed by Jorge Cafrune,
Que Seas Vos.

And I can touch, feel, admire
everything around me,
rough, smooth, big, small, beautiful,
And I can see those who can't see me,
nor hear the whispers of winds,
far from knowing that birds are around,
Nor seeing and feeling the wonders of  life,
Let alone admire the breathtaking sunset,
Or star gazing at twinkling stars above.

But they are always special beyond compare,
Can't hear but can feel,
Can't see but sharp minded,
Can't touch but gifted with one strong physique,
Can't walk but still able to move around,
Can't talk but they are smart.

I come to think of the beauty of not hearing,
the swearing, the cursing, the blaming,
with all the harsh words available.

I wonder at the eyes that see not
the miseries, the suffering,
the imbalance of life,
whatever that gives life its ugly look.

My mind's filled with musings,
of their patience and existence,
that colours this complicated life.

I am astounded by the great ability
of incomplete physique,
that is so reliable to keep going,
far better than with complete
physical ability.

I'm amazed by the skillful hands,
that belong to the eyes that see not,
but the fingers know it all,
leading the mind to portray the beauty,
and produce something of quality,
which I am able to see
but not to the eyes that see not,
nor to the ears that hear not the compliments,
or to the incomplete physique,
Lo! how fair human creation is,
They are special with special abilities.

*A short break from home, makes me learn more of what's life all about.

The musings mind of,

Balqis

Cats City

10.12.2010

Image : http://allaboutgratitude.com/

Greetings From Cats' City - Kuching



The cats' family in the city.

Meoowww! Kuching (literally translated 'cat') is the capital's city of  Sarawak. I don't know why it is called as Kuching. Most probably, cats were found in large numbers here hundreds of years ago. Just an assumption.

I am here on a short break. Kuching is also like a second home for me because it's a frequent trip here. Furthermore, some family members are residing here.

As I am having some problems to upload my own pictures at the moment, I have to borrow an image from http://www.tripadvisor.com/Kuching

An interesting and very informative site, please log in to get more informations about Kuching.

Oh ya! It's Monday. Wishing everyone a great week! :)

For The Love Of It

This is one of my favourite poems which I would like to share with everyone. Read this a few years back when I was a student. Actually, it's in the text for one of my courses,  Poetry  In English. I love reading poetry because it never fails to mesmerise me with the beautiful words of the poets.


The Other Love Song
                           

a sailor is in love with the waves

and eventually like the waves

he becomes a hopeless lover.

a poet is in love with words
and eventually the net of words
traps him from meaning.

the sea is an infatuating spread
the jungle a passionate net
but the sea will not confess its secret
the jungle will not confess its secret
and the self becomes
a summit of mystery.

all creation is a medium
to a recognition of the creator
yet how shall I write a poem of love
so that the medium
does not hide the purpose?



Original title : Puisi Cinta Yang Lain
Translated by : Muhammad Haji Salleh
Source :  Zurinah Hassan, Keberangkatan, Kuala Lumpur:
               Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka, 1985


*The photo was taken by me at Tanjung Batu Bintulu.

Seeing Is Believing

Let's take a little walk in my little town.



Among the small signboards at the promenade. The stork symbolises Bintulu as a coastal town.



Part of Bintulu Promenade which stretches from the rivermouth right up to the town. Quite a vast area.
A beautiful place to relax or take a walk.



The beautiful design under the palm tree captured my eyes.



.A billboard in town advertising the world class LNG Port and The Port of BIMP-EAGA.

LNG (liquefied natural gas) tanker at the deep sea port. Bintulu is known for its oil and gas industries.

The new kid in town.

I don't have to walk down the streets of San Francisco to get the taste of that coffee.
It's available here.

Among the hotels available in town.

The main market known as Pasar Utama Bintulu. The roofs are in the shapes of traditional Melanau's hat.


*All photos taken by yours truly, Balqis.